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News & ArtsWednesday, January 18, 2012
Economy Food-Stamp Nation
Posted by Charles Mudede on Wed, Jan 18, 2012 at 11:45 AM
Mr Gingrich rejoined: "First of all, Juan, more people have been put on food stamps by Barack Obama than any president in history." This incredibly misleading claim sent the crowd into an ecstasy of delight. "I know among the politically correct you're not supposed to use facts that are uncomfortable", Mr Gingrich added to the warm applause of those in attendance brave enough to face the truth.It really is as simple as that: A record number of people qualified for the existing food stamp program. Obama did nothing. The economy did everything. Indeed, I wish Obama did try to do something about it. Also, giving food stamps to poor people is probably doing more for the economy than giving tax breaks to the rich. Lastly, South Carolina? Really? The poor white people of South Carolina? You know what I mean. Watching that debate was like watching The Fall of the Planet of the Apes.Of course, Barack Obama has put no one on food stamps. Population growth together with the most severe recession since the advent of the modern American welfare state, which was in full swing when Mr Obama came into office, conspired to make a record number eligible for government food assistance.
The Economist sometimes says the right thing...
A thought experiment: On Twin Earth, does anyone call President John McCain the "food-stamp president"? Is it "politically incorrect" there to call him that? Or is it just so tactically weird to pin that label on a white Republican who inherited a huge recession that the idea simply never occurred to anyone? If, back in our world, it's not "politically correct" and not tactically weird to pin that label on a black Democrat who inherited a huge recession, then why not?
2
Absolutely, you fucking dumb shit. If you'd been paying attention, you'd know that Bush fucked this country over so badly that no-one alive could have turned things around in three years. As it is, Obama's done better than I expected him to.
Do you really think McCain would have done any better?
Do you really think McCain would have done any better?
4
@1 Yeah! Why hasn't Obama fixed all of our problems yet? 3 years should be plenty of time to fix the global economy!! If we just cut taxes on job creators and end regulations of any kind America will be great again!
6
Gingrich is a fucking racist, homophobe, corrupt piece of shit. Or just good old fashioned Republican from the south. Someday soon that fat slob will have a good old fashioned heart attack and I hope it's on film for our enjoyment.
7
If you find some youtube footage of late 60's period George Wallace, you'll find Gingrich speaking virtually the same talking points.
8
actually we should of done what no electable president would advocate. Cease the bail-outs and go into a deep but brief depression; cut the fat and emerge a butterfly. Instead we will continue the slow trudge towards the homogeneous muck of globalism and the end of social mobility.
10
Charles,
I read the NYT editorial which had essentially the same wording as the Economist. No, Pres. Obama isn't to blame for the increase in the number of food stamp recipients any more than former Pres. Bush is to be blamed exclusively for the collapse of the American economy. It's political hyperbole at it's best (or worse depending on your point of view). Gingrich is merely trying to win SC votes. It's clear that statistics can be spun to serve any ideology/campaign. It's just whether or not the voters believe them.
I read the NYT editorial which had essentially the same wording as the Economist. No, Pres. Obama isn't to blame for the increase in the number of food stamp recipients any more than former Pres. Bush is to be blamed exclusively for the collapse of the American economy. It's political hyperbole at it's best (or worse depending on your point of view). Gingrich is merely trying to win SC votes. It's clear that statistics can be spun to serve any ideology/campaign. It's just whether or not the voters believe them.
11
I don't trust Gingrinch (and yes, I know how I spelled that. And no, I'm NOT apologizing!). Never have. Never will. Huntsman had the right idea... and for the right reasons: The current crap of Republican candidates (and yes...) are just plain unfit to lead the country. Period.
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